Toolbar

Search Google Appliance

Pre-Optometry

What is the study of ?

What do I need to know?

Students who complete Pre-Optometry coursework at an accredited college or university are eligible to be considered for admission into an optometry (OD) program. WWU offers undergraduate coursework that will satisfy the prerequisites for the various OD programs in the U.S. In general, students must have a strong academic background in the following areas of study: Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Physics, English, and Psychology. Although Western does not offer a Pre-Optometry major, Biology and Chemistry are examples of popular majors among students who pursue optometry as a career.

There are 20 accredited optometry programs in the U.S. and Puerto Rico that offer the Doctor of Optometry (OD). Admission into an optometry program is highly selective and includes evaluation of:

GPA (overall and science)

Academic performance

Optometry Admission Test (OAT) scores

Letters of recommendation

Exposure to the profession

AP credit may not be generally recognized by professional schools as college-earned credit.

Repeating courses is not viewed favorably by professional schools. An isolated case may be acceptable but also may require an explanation in application.

Declaring a Major: Refer to the department of your chosen major for prerequisites and GPA requirements for declaring.

Plan of Study

Freshman Year

General Chemistry: CHEM 121*, 122, 123

General Biology : BIOL 204**, 205, 206

Take appropriate mathsequence to complete Calculus: MATH 124

Take GUR courses including ENG 101 & PSY 101

Meet with Pre-Healthcare Advisor to develop a plan of study

*Completion of MATH 114 or placement into MATH 115 or higher is a pre-requisite for CHEM 121**CHEM 121 is pre-requisite to BIOL 204